Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a system for preservation of food.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The preservation of foods is almost as old as the consumption of food by man. Both commercial and home methods of preservation are numerous, and each has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the more recent methods of preservation involves the removal of air from a package of food, followed by reintroduction of an inert gas such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide and/or argon. This has been titled Modified Atmosphere Packaging, and is used extensively on a large commercial scale worldwide because of the great success with foods such as breads, cakes, cheeses, coffee, cooked and fresh meats, pasta, fruit, milk, seafood, vegetables and ready to eat meals. Until recently, the closest types of food preservation available for home use have been vacuum machines and wine preservation systems, which introduce an inert gas over the surface of an open bottle of wine.
[0003] These preservation methods include; chemical preservation, refrigeration, freezing, drying, canning, vacuum, inert gasses and the like. However, when a food is frozen for a long-time preservation, the quality after the thawing process seriously deteriorates in comparison with the quality before the freezing process, resulting in degradation of the taste. The reason for this is because the oxygen dissolved in the moisture inside each cell of the food (dissolved oxygen) oxidizes the food during the freezing preservation process and because the juice flows out of the food during the thawing process.
[0004] As a result of the many shortfalls of the prior art, there is a need for a system for preservation of food which overcomes the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY
[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure present technological improvements as solutions to one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems.
[0006] Before the present subject matter relating to a system for preservation of food, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular system described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the implementations or versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter.
[0007] This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to a system for preservation of food. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the present subject matter.
[0008] In an embodiment, a system for preservation of food, the system includes a sealable food container, a temperature regulation unit, a vacuum sealing mechanism, a sensor array and a control unit. The sealable food container has a food retaining space of a specific volume. The sensor array for monitoring food condition parameters. The control unit is configured to regulate the temperature and vacuum sealing based on sensor input.
[0009] In an embodiment, a method for food preservation, the method includes the step of placing food items within a sealable food container. The method includes the step of activating a temperature regulation unit to maintain a predetermined temperature range. The method includes the step of initiating a vacuum sealing process to remove air from the container. The method includes the step of monitoring food condition parameters using a sensor array. The method includes the step of adjusting temperature and vacuum levels based on sensor input using a control unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0010] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference features and modules.
[0011] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram that shows a food preserving device in accordance with the present invention.
[0012] Figure 2 illustrates a front elevational view of the food preservation system.
[0013] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic of the system of the present invention.
[0014] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative methods embodying the principles of the present disclosure. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and so executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the invention. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
[0016] One or more embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present invention to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present invention. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
[0017] The terminology used, in the present invention, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present invention. As used in the present invention, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present invention is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
[0018] In an embodiment, a system for preservation of food, the system includes a sealable food container, a temperature regulation unit, a vacuum sealing mechanism, a sensor array and a control unit. The sealable food container has a food retaining space of a specific volume. The sensor array for monitoring food condition parameters. The control unit is configured to regulate the temperature and vacuum sealing based on sensor input.
[0019] In another implementation, the sealable food container is constructed with materials conducive to maintaining an airtight seal, thereby preventing the ingress of external contaminants.
[0020] In another implementation, the temperature regulation unit is configured to maintain a predetermined temperature range within the sealable food container, inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and preserving the quality of stored food items.
[0021] In another implementation, a user interface is connected to the control unit, enabling user input for customized temperature and vacuum settings.
[0022] In another implementation, the vacuum sealing mechanism is equipped with a pressure release valve to prevent over-pressurization of the sealable food container.
[0023] In another implementation, a communication module for transmitting sensor data to external devices, allowing remote monitoring and control of the food preservation system.
[0024] In an embodiment, a method for food preservation, the method includes the step of placing food items within a sealable food container. The method includes the step of activating a temperature regulation unit to maintain a predetermined temperature range. The method includes the step of initiating a vacuum sealing process to remove air from the container. The method includes the step of monitoring food condition parameters using a sensor array. The method includes the step of adjusting temperature and vacuum levels based on sensor input using a control unit.
[0025] In another implementation, the vacuum sealing process further comprises the step of verifying the integrity of the sealable food container seal before and after the vacuum process.
[0026] In another implementation, the control unit is configured to learn and adapt preservation parameters over time based on historical sensor data.
[0027] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram that shows a food preserving device in accordance with the present invention.
[0028] In an embodiment, a cooling store 1 serving as a freezer that houses food therein to be frozen, a tray (food tray) 2 that is placed inside the cooling store 1, a high-voltage AC power supply 3 that outputs an AC high voltage, a high-voltage DC power supply 4 that outputs a DC high voltage that outputs a DC high voltage and a control unit 5 that controls the voltage application from the respective power supplies 3 and 4 to the tray 2. A door sensor that detects the opening and closing operations of the door of the cooling store 1, a weight sensor that detects the fact that food is placed on the tray 2 and the like are connected to the control unit 5. The cooling store 1 may be prepared as a freezer as described above or as a cooling store that houses food therein to be refrigerated. Moreover, the cooling store 1 may have both functions of refrigerating and freezing so as to be selected on demand.
[0029] The food tray 2, which is made of metal such as stainless having a conductive property, allows a food 9 to be placed thereon. The food 9 may be directly placed on the tray 2, or the food 9 may be put in a container so that the container with the food 9 is placed on the tray 2. For example, in the case when the food 9 is a gel-state food such as agar jelly, the jelly may be housed and sealed in a plastic container. The connector from the gas introduction module is attached to the gas inlet valve, the canister selected for use, and the timer engaged for at least a sufficient amount of time to flush the food retaining space of essentially all the ambient air and replace it with the one or more food preservation gases.
[0030] In an embodiment, AC output terminal 11 and a DC output terminal 12 are connected to the tray 2. The AC output terminal 11 is connected to the high-voltage AC power supply 3 through a first switching unit 13 of the control unit 5, and the DC output terminal 12 is connected to the high-voltage DC power supply 4 through a second switching unit 14 of the control unit 5. The respective switching units 13 and 14 are constituted by relays, switching elements and the like. The cooling process is continuously carried out on the food 9 on the tray 2, with only the DC high voltage or the AC high voltage being applied thereto, so that the food 9 is refrigerated or frozen. After a lapse of a predetermined period of time (voltage application period) from the simultaneous application of the AC voltage and the DC voltage, the control unit 5 turns off either the second switching unit 14 or the first switching unit 13 that has been in an on state.
[0031] Figure 2 illustrates a front elevational view of the food preservation system.
[0032] In the present embodiment, the cooling store having a cabinet 22 defining an open storage space 24 and including a door 26 with an exterior side 28 and an interior side 30 adapted to receive a modular component 32 which is a food preservation system in the illustrated embodiment. The modular component 32 includes a base 34 removably connected to the interior side 30 of the door 26 and has a first edge 36 and a second edge 38. A component door 40 is hingedly-connected to the first edge 36 of the base 34. The component door 40 is operable between an open position 42 (FIG. 9) and a closed position 44. The base 34 and component door 40 define a sealed compartment 46 when the component door 40 is in the closed position 44. First fasteners 48 are disposed on the component door 40, and second fasteners 50 (FIG. 5) are disposed on the base 34 and adapted to engage with the first fasteners 48 to create an airtight seal between the component door 40 and the base 34. Referring to FIG. 8, a vacuum device 52 is in communication with the sealed compartment 46 and a heat sealer 54 is disposed on one of the base 34 and the component door 40. The modularity of the modular component 32 allows for the complete removal of the modular component 32 from the cooling store 20. The modular component 32 includes all of the necessary devices to operate but requires a power source 56 to function. The power source 56 can come from the cooling store 20 itself or from a nearby power outlet. It is also contemplated that the modular component 32 could be powered by a battery source disposed in the modular component 32. In one embodiment, a countertop support receives the modular component 32. The countertop support includes a power cord that connects with the power source 56. The countertop also includes a power relay connector that contacts a power port 82 (FIG. 4) thereby providing power to the modular component 32.
[0033] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic of the system of the present invention.
[0034] In an embodiment, the gas introduction module 11 comprises a button switch programming faceplate 10 or the like for turning the machine on and doing any settings required. The timer 9 sets the amount of time the gas will pass from canister 6 to food retaining space 1 a. A gas regulator 7 regulates the connector 12, which is opened or closed via valve 8, which is opened and closed by the timer 9. The gas introduction module consists of an on/off button which can also control a timer 33 for opening and closing the valve (a solenoid valve in this example) of gas canister regulated by regulator. Gas passes from the canister to connector designed to be placed into inlet valve 2. While one canister is shown for simplicity, multiple canisters, for example four canisters, are contemplated in this drawing. In this embodiment, the appliance has shelf for setting a food container on. While the connection is shown as rigid in this embodiment, there could be a hose connector so that the canister can sit on the table and not be moved up to the connector. The gas introduction module is engaged for a specific time so that gas flows from the gas introduction module to the container for a specific time based on container size.
[0035] The foregoing description of the invention has been set merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the substance of the invention may occur to person skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the invention.
, Claims:We claim:
1. A system for preservation of food, comprising:
a sealable food container having a food retaining space of a specific volume;
a temperature regulation unit;
a vacuum sealing mechanism;
a sensor array for monitoring food condition parameters, and;
a control unit configured to regulate the temperature and vacuum sealing based on sensor input.
2. The system for preservation of food as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealable food container is constructed with materials conducive to maintaining an airtight seal, thereby preventing the ingress of external contaminants.
3. The system for preservation of food as claimed in claim 1, wherein the temperature regulation unit is configured to maintain a predetermined temperature range within the sealable food container, inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and preserving the quality of stored food items.
4. The system for preservation of food as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a user interface connected to the control unit, enabling user input for customized temperature and vacuum settings.
5. The system for preservation of food as claimed in claim 1 wherein the vacuum sealing mechanism is equipped with a pressure release valve to prevent over-pressurization of the sealable food container.
6. The system for preservation of food as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a communication module for transmitting sensor data to external devices, allowing remote monitoring and control of the food preservation system.
7. A method for food preservation, comprising:
placing food items within a sealable food container;
activating a temperature regulation unit to maintain a predetermined temperature range;
initiating a vacuum sealing process to remove air from the container;
monitoring food condition parameters using a sensor array, and
adjusting temperature and vacuum levels based on sensor input using a control unit.
8. The method for preservation of food as claimed in claim 7, wherein the vacuum sealing process further comprises the step of verifying the integrity of the sealable food container seal before and after the vacuum process.
9. The method for preservation of food as claimed in claim 7, wherein the control unit is configured to learn and adapt preservation parameters over time based on historical sensor data.